iPhone Life Blog entries by Gary Abel about iPhone and iPod Touchhttps://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/all
News, reviews and opinions from top iPhone experts!enAt Macworld: Thiphone Thigh Mount for Your iPhonehttps://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/macworld-thiphone-thigh-mount-your-iphone?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=generalrss
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.iphonelife.com/sites/iphonelife.com/files/resize/images/learn-more-image-202x135.jpg" style="width:202px; height:135px" title="" width="202" height="135" />I've seen lots of iPhone and iPod touch mounts here at Macworld but this is one of the more unusual.&nbsp; It's a mount that you place on your thigh called a Thiphone (accent mark over the i).&nbsp; It has a suction cup for your device While it may seem a bit odd at first, it really has many uses. If you commute and want a stable place for your iPhone, just stick it on and go.&nbsp; It's really handy for frequent flyers, the disabled, and private pilots who need to have their iPhone near them at all times.&nbsp; They cost $24.95 and can be&nbsp; bought through their website www.thiphone.com</p>
<p><strong>Update:</strong> The&nbsp;www.thiphone.com&nbsp;w<span>ebsite is no longer active.</span></p>
<span class='non_tip_footer_cta'><em>Want to master your iPhone and iPad? <a href='http://www.iphonelife.com/tipoftheday-rss'>Sign up here</a> to get our tip of the day delivered right to your inbox.</em></span> AccessoriesMon, 04 Apr 2011 21:57:15 +0000Gary Abel2356 at https://www.iphonelife.comGreat Videos from CES, Part 1https://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/great-videos-ces-part-1?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=generalrss
<p align="center"><img alt="ces.jpeg" height="153" src="http://www.smartphonemag.com/newsletters/admin/temp/newsletters/410/ces.jpeg" title="ces.jpeg" width="243" /></p><p>CES 2011 was a showcase for all that's new in the world of consumer electronics. While Apple did not make an appearance, the iOS presence was everywhere. <em>iPhone Life</em> was there blogging and taking video of what we thought was exciting for the iOS user. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video must be worth a million. To that end, we are devoting this issue to the videoblogs that we have uploaded to our YouTube channel, iPhonelifemagazine. Click the links following the entries to view the videoblog.</p><p><strong><img height="80" src="http://www.smartphonemag.com/newsletters/admin/temp/newsletters/410/airstash.jpeg" style="margin-bottom:2px" title="airstash.jpeg" width="120" /><span>AirStash</span></strong>&nbsp;<br /> The AirStash acts as a wireless flash drive, wireless SD card adapter, and all-in-one media-streaming device. It uses a built-in lithium polymer battery and connects to your device via Wi-Fi. This is a must-have if you own an iPad and want different ways to transfer files besides using an Internet connection.<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n5xftJersM" target="_blank">Watch the Video »</a><a href="http://www.iphonelife.com/blog/5/ipad-refurbs-available-much-100-cheaper" target="_blank"><br /> </a><br /> <strong><img height="80" src="http://www.smartphonemag.com/newsletters/admin/temp/newsletters/410/etymotics.jpeg" style="margin-bottom:10px" title="etymotics.jpeg" width="100" /></strong><strong>Etymotic Custom Fit Earbuds </strong><br /> <span>Etymotics, a well-respected provider of earphones and assisted hearing devices, has come up with a way for users to get custom fitted earbuds at an unbelieveable price. For about $100, you can enjoy music and comfort heaven.<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaK-3MsTAk0" target="_blank">Watch the Video »</a></span><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonemag.com/newsletters/admin/temp/newsletters/410/fling.jpg" style="margin-bottom:10px; margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px; float:right; width:107px; height:80px" title="fling.jpg" /></p><p><strong>Fling Joystick Control for your iPad<br /> </strong>If you're a gaming addict, you've have got to get this for your iPad. The clear plastic joystick attaches to the screen so that you can see all the action that takes place.You simply move the joystick to control the screen. Amazing!<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frWiGURaBzw" target="_blank">Watch the Video »</a><br /><br /> <img height="80" src="http://www.smartphonemag.com/newsletters/admin/temp/newsletters/410/magic_cube1.gif" style="margin-bottom:10px" title="magic_cube1.gif" width="100" /><strong>Magic Box Virtual Keyboard </strong>&nbsp;<br /> A company called Celluon has come up with a little deviced called the Magic Cube that is really kind of neat and functional. This small bluetooth device sits near your iPad or iPod touch and projects a virtual keyboard onto the surface of your work area. It also sends out an IR light that is invisible that "reads" you finger movements and tranlates them into keystrokes on your device.<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXUdiXjbxT4" target="_blank">Watch the Video »</a></p><p><strong>MiLi Projector for the iP<img height="80" src="http://www.smartphonemag.com/newsletters/admin/temp/newsletters/410/mili.jpeg" style="margin-bottom:2px" title="mili.jpeg" width="100" />hone<br /> </strong>If you regularly show videos or slide shows to groups of people, this small projector is the accessory you need. Simply attach it to your iPhone, turn down the lights and you're all set. The develper even showed how, if you point the projector upward you can watch videos lying down.<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg7KJcL7flc" target="_blank">Watch the Video »</a><a href="http://www.iphonefreak.com/2009/10/opentable-app-review-taste-of-success.html"><br /><br /> </a><strong>Hat TV<img height="80" src="http://www.smartphonemag.com/newsletters/admin/temp/newsletters/410/tvhat.jpeg" style="margin-bottom:2px" title="tvhat.jpeg" width="100" /><br /> </strong>This has got to be one of the more unusual accessories that was shown at CES. This quirky hat with an extended brim provides a shaded environment that allows you to watch videos on your iPhone or iPod touch in bright light or when you want some privacy. Watch the video... I can't do this thing justice.<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpj42jwCJ2Q" target="_blank">Watch the Video »</a></p><p><a href="http://www.iphonefreak.com/2009/10/opentable-app-review-taste-of-success.html"><br /> </a><strong>Peavey and AmpKit <img height="80" src="http://www.smartphonemag.com/newsletters/admin/temp/newsletters/410/screen%20shot%202011-01-12%20at%209.46.01%20pm.png" style="margin-bottom:2px" title="screen shot 2011-01-12 at 9.46.01 pm.png" width="100" /><br /> </strong>Peavey has partnered with AmpKit to provide a hardward/software combo for the music lover. If you create or play music, this thing has pretty much everything you could need. Amp, of course, metrome, sure. But this thing is so so much more. You can record, adjust pitch, laydown backround tracks. The list goes on and on. If you're serious about your music, check this out.<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rf9gO0j5W8" target="_blank">Watch the Video »</a></p><p><a href="http://www.iphonefreak.com/2009/10/opentable-app-review-taste-of-success.html"><br /> </a><strong>AutoVerbal Talking Soundboard<img height="100" src="http://www.smartphonemag.com/newsletters/admin/temp/newsletters/410/autoverbal100.png" style="margin-bottom:2px" title="autoverbal100.png" width="100" /><br /> </strong>Interview with Todd Bernhard, writer for iPhone Life magazine and text-to-speech app developer. We interviewed Todd right before the start of CES 2011 in front of the iPhone Life Booth. He showed us one of his text-to-speech apps for the iPad. This is a wonderful app for children of all ages, and especially those with autism<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvacUZdHt28" target="_blank">Watch the Video »</a></p><p><a href="http://www.iphonefreak.com/2009/10/opentable-app-review-taste-of-success.html"><br /> </a><strong>Kioke Screen Protectors<img height="100" src="http://www.smartphonemag.com/newsletters/admin/temp/newsletters/410/kioke.png" style="margin-bottom:2px" title="kioke.png" width="100" /><br /> </strong>A new company with big dreams for solving those really pesky problems with screen protectors. I know I've ruin several protectors trying to put them on my iPhone. I hate the bubbles. Kioke has come up with a foolproof way to apply the screen protects.<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhOpe2FYtMA" target="_blank">Watch the Video »</a></p><span class='non_tip_footer_cta'><em>Want to master your iPhone and iPad? <a href='http://www.iphonelife.com/tipoftheday-rss'>Sign up here</a> to get our tip of the day delivered right to your inbox.</em></span> AccessoriesThu, 20 Jan 2011 00:51:02 +0000Gary Abel67353 at https://www.iphonelife.comAt #CES: MI SUNY iPhone Casehttps://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/ces-mi-suny-iphone-case?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=generalrss
<p>&nbsp;</p><div></div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>MI SUNY has a case with power to spare.&nbsp; While providing protection&nbsp;for your iPhone or iPad, it also has an external battery. If that wasn't enough the back of the cases are covered with photoelectric cells which can be use to recharge the battery and hence your iDevice. While the case does add some size and weight to the iPhone, it is not excessive or bothersome. With all this extra power, you'll be able to add significant time to use your device. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.misuny.com">www.misuny.com</a>.&nbsp;</p><span class='non_tip_footer_cta'><em>Want to master your iPhone and iPad? <a href='http://www.iphonelife.com/tipoftheday-rss'>Sign up here</a> to get our tip of the day delivered right to your inbox.</em></span> Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:58:36 +0000Gary Abel67008 at https://www.iphonelife.comAt #CES: Magic Cube Projection Keyboard for the iPhone and iPadhttps://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/ces-magic-cube-projection-keyboard-iphone-and-ipad?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=generalrss
<p></p><p>A company called Celluon has come up with a little deviced called the Magic Cube that is really kind of neat and functional. This small bluetooth device sits near your iPad or iPod touch and projects a virtual keyboard onto the surface of your work area.&nbsp;It also sends out an&nbsp;IR light that is invisible&nbsp;that "reads" you finger movements and tranlates them into keystrokes on your device.&nbsp; It is rechargeable and works for about 150 hours on a single charge.&nbsp;It certain is smaller than a conventional keyboard and extremely portable and work well in room with normal light. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.celluon.com">www.celluon.com</a>.</p><span class='non_tip_footer_cta'><em>Want to master your iPhone and iPad? <a href='http://www.iphonelife.com/tipoftheday-rss'>Sign up here</a> to get our tip of the day delivered right to your inbox.</em></span> AccessoriesSun, 09 Jan 2011 22:49:35 +0000Gary Abel67007 at https://www.iphonelife.comAt #CES: Surc iPhone Case and Remotehttps://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/ces-surc-iphone-case-and-remote?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=generalrss
<p></p><p>This morning, while walking the halls of CES before the start of the show, I came across a booth that appeared to have a really neat product. The booth was manned by a senior gentleman who tried to explain the product to me but said that I should wait for his daughter who developed the product. He was very proud of his daughter and after seeing the product in use, he should be.</p><p>Serc is case and app combo that turns your iphone into a universal remote control. What makes this device stand out from the crowd is that the unit is sleek and adds little to the size or weight of the iPhone. Usually you have to add an attachment to the iPhone to convert it into a remote. Not with this one.</p><p>This remote goes above and beyond your basic remote. You can control multiple items in a room. On top of that, I was really impressed with the capabilities and customization that this unit allows. Add the buttons you want, move them around the screen, even use gestures to control your device. Shake the iPhone and you turn on or off your TV. Watch the video to see even more features.</p><p>They are hoping to bring the product and app to market in the next couple of weeks. You can go to their website and sign up for notification when the device has been released. I know I'm getting one. <a href="http://www.getsurc.com">www.getsurc.com</a>.</p><span class='non_tip_footer_cta'><em>Want to master your iPhone and iPad? <a href='http://www.iphonelife.com/tipoftheday-rss'>Sign up here</a> to get our tip of the day delivered right to your inbox.</em></span> AccessoriesSun, 09 Jan 2011 22:38:48 +0000Gary Abel67006 at https://www.iphonelife.comAt #CES: PeaVey and AmpKithttps://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/ces-penvey-and-ampkit?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=generalrss
<p> </p><p>As Will Smith would say, "I have got to get me one of these!" PeaVey and AmpKit have created a hardware/software package for the iPad that is a must-have item for anyone&nbsp;that creates music. If you need anything having to do digital music creation, you can pull it out of this amazing magic hat. Synthesizer? Got it. Metrome? Got it.&nbsp; But that is just the tip of the iceberg for what this combo can do.&nbsp; The list would fill the page.&nbsp; I got to see it in use and let me tell you, I was blown away.&nbsp; Watch the video and be amazed!</p><span class='non_tip_footer_cta'><em>Want to master your iPhone and iPad? <a href='http://www.iphonelife.com/tipoftheday-rss'>Sign up here</a> to get our tip of the day delivered right to your inbox.</em></span> AccessoriesSun, 09 Jan 2011 20:09:47 +0000Gary Abel67001 at https://www.iphonelife.comAt #CES: LUXMOBLE cases for the iPhone and iPadhttps://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/ces-luxmoble-cases-iphone-and-ipad?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=generalrss
<p></p>
<p>I know the holiday season is over, but I have found the perfect gift for that special someone in your life. LUX MOBILE carries several lines of iPhone and iPad cases that vary in price range. My all-time favorite? An iPad case covered with 18,000 Swarovski crystals in an Escher design that costs a mere $3,000. If that doesn't suit you, they have iPhone cases which feature Ed Hardy designs, Bruce Lee, Betty Boop and Marilyn Monroe.</p>
<p>If you are on a more frugal budget, LUX MOBILE features a new line of all-natural, eco-friendly iPhone cases and another line of&nbsp;ultra-light&nbsp;cases. These would be more practical for everyday use. However, if you're planning a trip to the Riviera, go for one of the others. <a href="http://www.luxmobilegroup.com">www.luxmobilegroup.com</a>.</p>
<span class='non_tip_footer_cta'><em>Want to master your iPhone and iPad? <a href='http://www.iphonelife.com/tipoftheday-rss'>Sign up here</a> to get our tip of the day delivered right to your inbox.</em></span> AccessoriesAccessoriesCasesiPadiPhoneSun, 09 Jan 2011 19:41:24 +0000Gary Abel67000 at https://www.iphonelife.comAt #CES: HyperDrive Hard Drive for the iPadhttps://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/ces-hyperdrive-hard-drive-ipad?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=generalrss
<p></p><p>HyperMac, a company known for quality&nbsp;Mac and iOS devices, has created HyperDrive, a hard drive for your iPad. Now you'll be able to take with you up to 750GB of additional media storage... no computer required. All you need is Apple Camera Connection Kit, a USB to Mini USB cable, and the HyperDrive. The unit also allows you to import any data from memory cards&nbsp;to the unit then to your iPad.The Hyperdrive provides a file managment system and will allow you to backup and recover if necessary&nbsp;deleted or corrupted photos on the memory card. Files move from the HyperDrive to the iPad at 20MB/s. The&nbsp;accessory would be great for photographers and vidographers. People who regularly show promotional videos would be able to make great use of this device. <a href="http://www.hyperdrive.com">www.hyperdrive.com</a>.</p><span class='non_tip_footer_cta'><em>Want to master your iPhone and iPad? <a href='http://www.iphonelife.com/tipoftheday-rss'>Sign up here</a> to get our tip of the day delivered right to your inbox.</em></span> AccessoriesSun, 09 Jan 2011 19:14:10 +0000Gary Abel66999 at https://www.iphonelife.comAt #CES: Cydle iPhone Cradle for live TVhttps://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/ces-cydle-iphone-cradle-live-tv?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=generalrss
<p></p><p>Now you'll never be with out your sports, soap operas, or up-to-the-minute news wherever you are with a new iPhone cradle from Cydle.The company&nbsp;has created a cradle that connects to your iPhone&nbsp;that provides live TV reception to your device. The i30 cradle features ATSC&nbsp;mobile digital TV and Smart Charges and sharing, and&nbsp;has a built-in retractable antenna. The neat thing about this mobile TV receiver is that it requires no subscription or additional fees to access mobile TV. No more&nbsp;missing <em>Modern Family</em> or <em>Glee. </em>The i30 wil sell for about $150. More information is available at <a href="http://www.cydle.com">http://www.cydle.com</a></p><span class='non_tip_footer_cta'><em>Want to master your iPhone and iPad? <a href='http://www.iphonelife.com/tipoftheday-rss'>Sign up here</a> to get our tip of the day delivered right to your inbox.</em></span> AccessoriesSun, 09 Jan 2011 18:57:07 +0000Gary Abel66998 at https://www.iphonelife.comAt #CES Etymotic Custom Fit Earbuds https://www.iphonelife.com/blog/3026/ces-etymotic-custom-fit-earbuds?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=generalrss
<p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I have a pair of Etymotic hf3 earphones that I love because they stay secure in my ears, have amazing sound isolation and beautiful sound. Being a fan of their products, when I came across their booth at CES, I had to stop in and check out what they’re up to. They have instituted a new program that allows purchasers of any of their earphones to get custom fitted earbuds that can be attached to their earphones. In the past, getting custom fit earbuds used to cost many hundreds of dollars. Etymotic has brought the price down to around $100. I don’t know of any other company offering this feature at this price point.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The process is easy. After buying a pair of Etymotic earphones, you go to their website <a href="http://www.etymotic.com/custom">www.etymotic.com/custo</a><a href="http://www.etymotic.com/customfit">mfit,</a> register your product and download a certificate. The website provides a list of certified audiologists around the country that you can go to.&nbsp; Simply schedule your appointment, have the molds made (a simple and painless process; watch the video for a demonstration) and in about 4 weeks your earplugs arrive. Put them on your headphones, and you are in sound and comfort heaven.&nbsp;</p><span class='non_tip_footer_cta'><em>Want to master your iPhone and iPad? <a href='http://www.iphonelife.com/tipoftheday-rss'>Sign up here</a> to get our tip of the day delivered right to your inbox.</em></span> AccessoriesSat, 08 Jan 2011 19:39:01 +0000Gary Abel66913 at https://www.iphonelife.com